Japan, Nadine’s wonderful drawing challenge

Nadine took the lead for the first one after the August break and her inspiration is “Japan”.

Last month I bought a sort of “grab bag” of goodies from the London Embroiderer’s Guild.

I wasn’t sure what I would do with any of these little bits, but, being half magpie, fell in love with the sparkly richness of it all and had to have it. The bag includes a piece of a 1920 shawl, postcards, bits of lace, threads and some sort of patterns. (Not sure at all what one does to transfer these sorts of patterns onto cloth…maybe iron? If you know, please tell me. The hallmark on the side says they were produced by a company which closed in the 20’s.)

I was looking at the pieces and decided that for this challenge I would try to draw with a needle and thread and everything I used (with the exception of a beading needle) had to come out of my little grab bag.
I’m not much of a seamstress or embroiderer, but I’ve been a huge fan of sashiko for a few years now and so tried to do a little of that myself.

There was a little piece of green-flip-red taffeta and I enveloped it around a not-so-attractive piece of black, sparkly felt and some layers of rough cotton.

Then I took some of the orange silk thread and stitched the sun in the middle of the rectangle.

I drew some lines with my chalk art pencil to guide my hand with some quilting.

And I used a lovely silk chord to stitch the quilt lines. This is fascinating thread. It changes colours from a soft green to a soft purple. I love it.

Then I drew myself some cherry blossoms with the chalk and stitched them with a fine gold thread (which is apparently supposed to be added to another kind of thread…oops…good thing I don’t know much about much.)

Lastly, some little gold beads made up the flower centres. I love it! Not sure what to do with it now, but maybe a central panel for an evening clutch? Any ideas?

Anyway, I’ve missed the drawing challenge for the August break and am happy to be back with my lovely bunch. Come pop over to Nadine’s site and check out every one’s interpretation when you have a chance, and if you’d like to join, visit our Rose Ariane for the list of who is next. 😀

22 Comments

yes, that would be ironing on the patterns onto fabric. if you’re lucky they should last a few transfers as well..

and how brave you are though, setting yourself limits with materials at hand is a double challenge, if you ask me. but also very, very rewarding.

i like your outcome. i looked up sashiko, and can only say love, love! anything reminding me of crewelwork or wrought iron (in the broad sense) does charm me. i think it will look terrific as a detail in something, but it could also work well as a small purse, could it not? or else framing it as is would be quite lovely too!

Yes, they are iron on transfers, and if you are careful they should last a few times too.
i think Nadine’s suggestion that you fame it would be beautiful.
Your stitching is so perfect!
How do you keep them evenly spaced?

i suspect those old patterns are done on some thin semi see through paper .. you put carbon paper under and then trace with one of those little gizmos with a serrated wheel on the end .. it puts the mark on the material and then you cut OR you pin the pattern to the material and cut along the outlines tho that would make the pattern only good for one use .. or maybe not ….

What a beautiful piece you’ve made! I’m really impressed, especially because I’m a huge fan of embroidery, but never tried it by myself (in fear of a lack of patience)! When I looked at your sashiko inspired result, I thought of a small cushion at once. I’m curious what you will finally use it for!

Nice to meet you Veronica!
How lovely to see your beautiful embroidery art. It looks like a painter’s canvas with your needle and thread. Those pale pink flowers with gold beads on the blue silk are sooo pretty!!.

I am very impressed to know your family has strong Japanese cultures. Yes, next time is your turn to visit Japan! Please come in the best season. Autumn or spring is the best . I enjoyed guiding the Canadian young boy but it was too hot!!

i just LOVE all off thi post
the fabrics and all those other goodies
the colours, the stiching, just ALL
the 1920 with the beautiful dresses and rich embroidery
and in your piece it all comes together
love, love

Nice to meet you Veronica!
How lovely to see your beautiful embroidery art. It looks like a painter’s canvas with your needle and thread. Those pale pink flowers with gold beads on the blue silk are sooo pretty!!.

I am very impressed to know your family has strong Japanese cultures. Yes, next time is your turn to visit Japan! Please come in the best season. Autumn or spring is the best . I enjoyed guiding the Canadian young boy but it was too hot!!

very creative Veronica! use of materials and color choices- I am a sucker for embroidery and yours is really lovely!- I like the framing idea- or perhaps adding onto it with more material and stitching- the quilt idea…

Oh and got to poke around tour blog some- those trees you visited and that Oxford countryside is amazing- what a beautiful spot! Magical 🙂

Hi Veronica, first of all I’m totally intruiged about this grab bag, can’t believe that they sell such a unique and fascinating collection of little treasures! But what you did with this little piece your embroidery is so wonderful, you made definitely a new little treasure out of that bag!
Barbara bee